Childminder in Knowsley

Inspection report for early years provision

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313034 Unique Reference Number 16 November 2007 Inspection date Michele Anne Villiers Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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ABOUT THIS INSPECTION

The purpose of this inspection is to assure government, parents and the public of the quality of childcare and, if applicable, of nursery education. The inspection was carried out under Part XA Children Act 1989 as introduced by the Care Standards Act 2000 and, where nursery education is provided, under Schedule 26 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998. This report details the main strengths and any areas for improvement identified during the inspection. The judgements included in the report are made in relation to the outcomes for children set out in the Children Act 2004; the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding; and, where nursery education is provided, the Curriculum guidance for the foundation stage. The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration or 1 April 2004 whichever is the later.

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

For more information about early years inspections, please see the booklet Are you ready for your inspection? which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 1998. She lives with her husband and their three children, one aged 10 and two who are adults, in a suburb of Liverpool. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding two children under five and two children over five. The childminder walks to local schools and places of interest. She supports children with learning difficulties or disabilities. The family has a dog.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Appropriate procedures are in place to help meet the children's health needs and protect them from cross infection. The home is suitably clean and written documentation is in place to protect children when they are ill or have accidents. Children learn the importance of personal hygiene

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Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 through routines, such as regular hand washing. Individual hand towels are provided and children clean their teeth after meals. Children are protected when they are sick, and written procedures are shared with parents. However, the sickness and exclusion procedure does not clearly state the incubation time for some illnesses, or identify reportable diseases, in order to fully inform parents.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are suitably nourished and consideration is given to helping children to eat healthily. The childminder consults with parents about dietary requirements and many meals are home made. Fresh fruit is provided each day and children freely access drinks. Mealtimes are social occasions where children sit together and chat.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children develop their physical skills through a range of outdoor activities. Their strength, coordination and balance are fostered when playing on the swings, slide, trampoline and wheeled toys. Children frequently walk to the local park and nearby places of interest.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The children are cared for and well protected in a secure, welcoming and safe home. Most necessary steps are taken to help minimise hazards both within the home and outside. However, the lock on the bathroom door is accessible to children, posing a possible safety risk. The available space is child centred, with easy access to a wide range of safe and suitable toys.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children learn about safety through play and organised activities. For example, they become aware of people who help us when playing with the hospital set, and dressing up as doctors, fire fighters and police. Children learn about road safety and stranger danger whilst on outings. They are given safe boundaries and the childminder uses books and stories to reinforce their learning.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a satisfactory understanding of child protection issues in order to safeguard children, and has a written statement on the procedure to follow should she have any concerns about a child. She is also aware of what to do if an allegation is made whilst a child is in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children show interest and happily take part in a wide range of interesting play opportunities, helping them to develop in all areas of learning. The childminder supports the children well, enthusiastically interacting and responding to their needs. Children confidently explore their environment and choose toys and activities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

During play children learn about colour and have fun painting and creating different collage pictures. For example, they enjoy making picture frames using different textured materials, such as glue, sequins and textured paper. Children become skilful using different tools, such as scissors. They thread colourful pictures using laces, learning the sequence to follow to recreate pattern. Mathematical concepts are introduced throughout their play. Children enjoy singing number songs, such as 'Ten in the bed, and the little one said'. They use finger puppets and count backwards, hiding their finger as one falls out of the bed.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 The children's imagination is fostered well during role play, as they re-enact life at home, cooking, dressing up, and playing with various dolls, cuddly toys and small world people. They access a good range of books and the childminder talks and listens to the children, motivating their language skills. The playroom is effectively organised and offers a stimulating environment. The childminder plans activities and includes outings that interest the children, such as the museum, tenpin bowling, and the cinema, sometimes travelling by train for enjoyment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The children are settled and develop a good sense of belonging as the childminder is aware of their needs. They become aware of their culture and the wider world activities with the good range of toys and resources that reflect positive images of race, culture, gender and disability. All children are respected as individuals, and activities are adapted to meet their needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder is very calm in her approach and uses good strategies to manage the children's behaviour. She constantly talks to children about being kind and uses books, stories and events to reinforce the children's understanding of sharing and caring. For example, on outings, and when travelling on public transport, children are taught to respect others and give elderly people priority.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the close relationship the childminder has with parents. Written documentation pertaining to the childminder's provision, including her qualification certificates, are clearly displayed and parents freely access all written policies and procedures. Parents complete questionnaires and comments include that she 'is a brilliant childminder', 'does a wonderful job in caring for children', and 'is very attentive and teaches children about kindness and sharing'.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder is keen to improve on her skills in order to help meet the children's welfare. She attends courses to keep up to date on childcare issues and regularly updates her first aid. She is enthusiastic and clearly enjoys her work.

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Organisation

Most regulatory documentation is in place and she has many written policies and procedures for the effective management of her provisions. However, the childminder has failed to follow regulatory vetting procedures. Although she has notified Ofsted and the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) of her son turning 16 years of age, she has not completed the relevant form in order to determine his suitability. Although her son is never left unsupervised with children, this is a breach of regulations. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection it was recommended that the childminder keeps Ofsted informed of significant events. The childminder is aware of informing Ofsted of any changes to her circumstances. However, although she informed Ofsted of changes to persons living in the home, she did not follow the correct procedure by completing relevant forms. Therefore, this remains a recommendation.

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Improvements since the last inspection

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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Complaints since the last inspection

The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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The quality and standards of the care

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • become familiar with the incubation period for infectious diseases and reportable diseases and share information with parents • ensure the bathroom lock is not accessible to children • ensure appropriate vetting procedures are followed when any changes take place within the home, and Ofsted is appropriately informed of significant events.

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The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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The quality and standards of the care

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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